Diospyros cherrieri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia discontinuously spread on the central west coast and in the north of Grande Terre. It is found in dry forest at low altitude on volcano-sedimentary substrate. The main threats impacting this species come from habitat fragmentation linked to uncontrolled bushfires and vegetation degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated respectively to 72 and 1,401 km², Diospyros cherrieri is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with an estimation of five locations and an estimated decline of AOO, habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Diospyros cherrieri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia discontinuously spread on the central west coast (Poya-Pouembout) and in the north (Ouégoa) of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown. This species is rather abundant where it occurs but a lack of regeneration has been observed in Poya, while it seemed good in Ouégoa.

Habitat

It is found in dry forest at low altitude (2-120 m asl) on volcano-sedimentary substrate.

Threats

The main threats impacting this species come from habitat fragmentation linked to uncontrolled bushfires and vegetation degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). This species is present in fenced areas (Nékoro, Népoui).

Conservation

This species is protected by legislation in Province Nord and in Province Sud. It is known in two protected areas: Rivière Bleue and Forêt Cachée. As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. Fencing a part of the population would protect this species from habitat degradation by feral pigs. It is moreover recommended to prospect for this species as most of the collects are rather old, especially the collection in Baie Duperré (Canala) from 1869. These recommendations would be useful for mining operators present in this area. In the Rivière Bleue area, it is suggested to relocate the sub-population in order to reinforce the population.

Bibliography

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

White F.; Vink W. 1993. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 19 : Ebenacaeae-Winteraceae.

Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

Experts

Assessor(s): Schatz, G., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lowry, P., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Maura, J.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.